UK online retail sales grow by 18 per cent over August

Posted on September 19, 2013.

Growth in online retail sales across Britain doubled in August as more consumers decided to stay indoors and shop over the web, reports internetretailing.net.

The IMRG-Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index shows ecommerce sales growing 18 per cent last month, up from the nine per cent achieved in July. Researchers from the group claimed it was the heatwave that encouraged more people to visit their high street over July, with cooler temperatures in August forcing them back inside.

Figures from the group suggest that the long-term trend of double-figure growth in British ecommerce was back to normal following a slight dip in July.

Multichannel stores witnessed a 17 per cent increase in sales during August, with online-only traders welcoming a lift of 19 per cent.

The study also showed that when it comes to the value of virtual shopping baskets, larger amounts are being passed through online payment processing services.

Ibtimes.co.uk says the value of the average e-retail basket increased by £5 to reach £77 over August, with this attributed to customers feeling more optimistic about their prospects.

Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini, said: “Consumer confidence is returning as the economy is showing signs of improvement.

“Increased basket values and strong growth in apparel suggest retailers are increasing full price sales, taking advantage of this increase in consumer confidence and seeing a healthy return.”